This talk will cover the life of Sir John Alexander Ferguson, one of Australia’s preeminent book collectors whose collection now resides in the National Library of Australia, the compiler of the seven-volume Bibliography of Australia and a judge of the NSW Industrial Commission, as recorded by his grandson, James Ferguson, the author of the biography John Alexander Ferguson: Preserving our Past, Inspiring our Future, which was published by the National Library in 2011. It is based on Ferguson’s extensive private papers, also held by the Library, the records of his legal career, records and family papers in the Mitchell Library, private papers and letters held by the family, and the author’s personal recollections.

James Ferguson was born in Sydney and educated at the University of Sydney. In 1965 he joined the then Department of External Affairs in which he served for many years, subsequently filling senior positions in other departments before, in 1990, becoming Executive Director of the Australian Sports Commission, a position he held until 2001. He has been a member of the Migration Review Tribunal and on the board of several organisations. He is also the author of More than Sunshine and Vegemite, an account of Australian sport, and has a keen interest in Australian history.

There is no charge for attending the monthly meeting and visitors are welcome.

The Heraldry & Genealogy Society of Canberra Inc was founded in 1964 ‘to promote and encourage the study and preservation of family history, genealogy, heraldry and allied subjects, and to assist members and others in research in these areas.’ The Society is run entirely by volunteers, who give generously of their time, expertise and goodwill to provide a service for all members.